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eLA (2015) Turning the Ship

2.
OER Africa (Mandate)
2008-2015 Formed with funding from William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
– It is an initiative of the South African Institute for Distance Education
(Saide).
Mandate: To create an environment where African academics both use
existing OER and release there own teaching resources under a common
license.
Focus: Ministerial and institutional IPR policy creation that provides ‘space’
for OER in traditionally restrictive environments.
Focus: Advocacy and professional development for staff and students within
higher education institutions

6.
So why is it hard to turn the ship?
We are turning … but
Policy penetration slow (OER Map: African Countries that mention OER – Kenya, Ghana and SA)
Institutional adoption patchy (mainly institutions from Developed Countries)
Funders, therefore, focus on western agendas such as Open Textbooks further alienating
adoption beyond the West.
Dearth of African sources – We just don’t have enough shared regional resources, reliant on the
materials released by advanced nation institutions.
Teachers oblivious or disinterested (OER on eLA agenda for years yet penetration small)

7.
So why is it hard to turn the ship?
1. Character of the Current Education Sector
2. Teacher and student expectations
3. Character of those who would benefit the most

8.
Some ideas
Existing education sectors (From ministry, district officials, Head masters and educators but
including parents) so regimented that they stifle individual creativity and innovation (especially
at basic and secondary levels). -> Trapped in a deteriorating cycle?
Teachers require new ICT skills as well as becoming proficient at adapting resources. Resist
change because they are too busy.
Students currently don’t want to work ‘harder’, enjoy being passive and resist being active users
initially.
Teachers and students don’t want copies, nor equal education, they want the brand (Not MITx
but the real campus experience.) -> exodus of students to study overseas. -> Local HE
institutions attempt to emulate rather than innovate despite not being viable without increased
state funding.
The destitute and most needy will be the last to hear and use open education because of low
access to technology the internet and resources to study.